beryllium

be·ryl·li·um

(bə-rĭl′ē-əm)

n. Symbol Be

A high-melting, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, rigid, steel-gray metallic element used as an aerospace structural material, as a moderator and reflector in nuclear reactors, and in a copper alloy used for springs, electrical contacts, and nonsparking tools. Atomic number 4; atomic weight 9.0122; melting point 1,287°C; boiling point 2,470°C; specific gravity 1.848; valence 2. See Periodic Table.

be·ryl·li·um

(bə-rĭl′ē-əm)

Symbol Be A hard, lightweight, steel-gray metallic element that is an alkaline-earth metal and is found in various minerals, especially beryl. It has a high melting point and resists corrosion. Beryllium is used to make sturdy, lightweight alloys and to control the speed of neutrons inside the core of nuclear reactors. Atomic number 4. See Periodic Table.

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